
But, for each door that closes a new one must open, right? Right?
So a huge debt of gratitude to one of our readers, Brenda, for tipping us to this coming Yule release from Rita Coolidge. It's been too long since we heard from Rita. She hasn't released an album since 2005's "And So Is Love". Before that, you'd have to go back to 1998's "Thinkin' About You". Back in the 70s and 80s, she was pretty much the soft rock/country pop queen...an oasis in the desert of disco. Her biggest hits were "We're All Alone" and a cover of the Jackie Wilson classic "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher And Higher". Every kid I went to college with had a copy of "Anytime...Anywhere". If you're too young to know Rita Coolidge, I would describe her in shorthand this way (and I hope I don't offend anybody with this, though I probably will offend everyone): she was Shery Crow when Sheryl Crow was still in grade school.
Rita was such a big star in the 70s that I know there must have been some song of her's we would play on the radio at Christmastime but, for the life of me, I can't think what it must've been. In 1980, Rita sang a few songs ("Lost Angels" and "Lake Freeze") in "The Christmas Raccoons" TV special, but I don't recall ever playing either of those on the radio.
Rita's 67, now, and still hot as hell. She's continued to perform and, apparently, does an annual Christmas show which she describes as very eclectic. The coming album features 12 tracks in all. I count 2 originals among them. And Rita promises the Christmas record will include a blend of all the musical styles of her career--pop, country, soul, jazz, blues and Native American. "A Rita Coolidge Christmas" will be released on October 30.

Santa Baby
Let It Snow
Winter Wonderland
Baby, It's Cold Outside
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Little Drummer Boy
Jingle Bell Rock
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Circle Of Light
Amazing Grace
Love In This Room